Calls for DA MP Mark Burke’s removal from finance committees amid Reserve Bank investigation

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has removed MP Mark Burke from Parliament’s finance committee and the party’s finance cluster while a company of which he is a beneficiary is the subject of an investigation by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).

DA parliamentary leader George Michalakis announced the change on Wednesday, saying it had been made after consultation with Burke and “out of an abundance of caution” to avoid any perception of a conflict of interest.

After consultation with Dr Mark Burke, we have decided that out of an abundance of caution, and to avoid any perceptions of a conflict of interest, he will no longer serve on the finance committee or in the finance cluster while a company he is a beneficiary of is the subject of an inquiry by the [Bank].

Burke said in a statement on Tuesday that he respected the independence of the Reserve Bank and its responsibility to investigate potential contraventions of exchange control regulations.

The matter before the court concerned whether the Reserve Bank had grounds to issue a blocking order while its investigation continues. The court found that it did.

Burke also said he had recused himself from matters involving the Reserve Bank since entering parliament.

Since entering parliament I have consistently informed my party and the finance committee secretary that I cannot be involved in any matters relating to the [Reserve Bank] to avoid any conflicts of interest.

He said he had also made the necessary declarations to parliament and the members’ interest register.

No allegation of misconduct or malfeasance has been made against me personally, and I am personally not subject to any investigation by any entity or agency.

The DA defended Burke on Tuesday, with federal council chair Ashor Sarupen saying the party would not interfere with or prejudge the Reserve Bank investigation.

There is no finding of wrongdoing against Dr Burke that would justify the DA treating him as though such a finding had already been made.

He said that the DA believed in accountability, the independence of institutions and due process, and that these principles applied equally to its representatives. The DA has now nevertheless opted to remove Burke from the finance committee and finance cluster while the Bank inquiry continues.